I read a comparison of 5 or 6 "pocket rockets" including the Mini, Mazda 3, Civic, the usual suspects. I cannot remember that mag it was and I think there was a thread on it recently (help me out here). The Mini came in next to last. They loved the engine, tranny, suspension, handling on the track. They dinged it because of the big speedo, the turn signals,and windshield washer controls! This is a car enthusiast magazine and the rate the turn signals? What's next, the sound of the horn? Gimme a break, it was the weakest article I ever read. My wife has a Mazda 3 and it's great car too (they drove the souped-up verzion though).

 

Why was it weak? Because you disagreed with the result?

 

Let me know what magazine this was published in, I want to make sure never to pick one up again.

 

R&T and C&D both had a comparison-one of these what you're looking for?
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ight=mazda+gti
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ight=mazda+gti

 

+1

 

It seems to me he thinks it's weak because the MINI only managed a fifth (actually fourth out of five if it's the R&T article) place showing in spite of doing well - second place right behind the Speed3 - in performance ratings. I guess the ergonomic character of the MINI is not appreciated by the masses.

Personally, I don't care what magazines, or anyone else for that matter, think about cars. The articles very often don't agree with my perspective of the cars' abilities and traits- gotta drive it for myself.....

 

good answer. I think sometimes ppl, in general ... not sure about the OP ... get upset when they see reviews they dont agree with. Your answer is a good one

 

One of my favorite magazines is EVO, a british publication. They rated the R56 as the best of the current hot hatches in their latest edition. The problem with that article is none of the other cars they tested we get in the USA, so it's tough for us to have any real comparison. In EVO's "the knowledge" section in back, they put the R56 MCS as 2nd best hot-hatch overall for current production cars, right behind the Renault Megane 230, which is a huge hatchback, and of course, not available in the USA.

I put stock in EVO magazine because they seem to have a grasp on what driving "feel" is all about, versus whining about switchgear that really doesn't impact "the drive".

FWIW,
Ryan

 

If its the R&T article I read, you missed the part where is thought the Mini driving experience out weighed the faults, or something like that.

I have to agree with the article on the R56 weak stock suspension. Even the upgrade MINI offers is not very good.

 

I agree with the "Who Cares?" attitude toward car magazine reviews. There was a similar article a year or two ago where either R&T or MotorTrend? compared JCW MCS with a GTI and an SI. Funny thing is how the majority of the review was filled with glowing remarks about the JCW and how it really kicked as$ on the track, yet if I recall correctly, it placed last overall.

Fun and puzzling to read, but it didn't sway me from buying my '06 JCW last summer.

I haven't driven a Mazaspeed 3, but I think it's probably really sweet! Don't love my Mini any less, though.

 

Have driven the MAZDASPEED3 and it is well worth the 1st place win.
Its an amazing little ride. The real world pull from 2nd-3rd is neck snapping thrust with excellent handling and braking to boot.. Wish I could have both!

 

Stick with EVO magazine! They rate the Mini 07 as the top rated hot hatch in it's class. Car & Driver and Road and Track test guys are more in tune with Honda and Mazda as they are more common in North America. I would have to say that the european car mags are alot more in tune with sports cars than muscle cars. Evo magazine does not think highly of the Honda Civic Si engine. They rave about the 07 Mini's engine. The Mazdaspeed 3 has a displacement of 2.3 liters turbo the Mini has 1.6 turbo. I guess some manufacturers just need an extra big engine to even be in the same class. I think Car & Driver and Road & Track should stick to big blocks and quarter mile performance and stay out of true sport car comparisons.

 

If they carped about the big speedo and turn signals, I agree completely (I haven't tried the wipers...are they equally lame in operation?). I'll add the ignition puck key thing and push button start to the different-only-for-the-sake-of-being-different UI the designers seem to pride themselves on.

That said, I thoroughly enjoyed my test drive. I'm sure the annoyances will become second-nature over time (then having other cars' turn signals, etc. become annoying).

 

You make some great points Vince. As for the Speed3, its lack of style leaves it looking like a Big Red Brick!

 

 

What!!! Please explain!

 

The R56 really stomped the Sentra... and finished 4th in a field of five.

 

I had one of the current BMW 3 series for a rental last year, and it had the same turn signal operation. ANNOYING as hell! I'm sure you could get used to it after driving the car for a while, but I found it to be more aggrivating than worthwhile. A "gadget factor" that addresses a non-existant problem.

 

I like the styling of the Mazda 3s, especially the hatchback. I just wish they weren't all flippin' four-doors.

 

If your addressing your comment to me, what is it you need me to explain? I thought I made myself clear. I find the Speed3 incredibly average looking.

 

Essential reading is the lastest edition of Motor Trend Magazine "The ten best handling cars in America" although it is a 2006 GP Mini that is being compared, it has kicked *** with some pretty good company. So can you imagine what a current 07 turbo and hopefully not to latter on a JCW 07 turbo will do? A real world race car driver tested the Mini and it hauled *** on the Civic Si, Corvette Z06, MazdaSpeed 3 and Honda S2000. Motor Trend and Max Angelleli a champion driver have confirmed these results and not a bunch of kids from California who do not know any better but how to get more bling from their wheels ie" Car and Driver, Road and Track!

 

Interesting that they used an R53....

 

That's right Slag they used an R53 GP. Great car!!! Can't wait for an R56JCW or even better R56 GP!!!!!!!!!

 

Hi CeeTee1, I was responding to Slag911 comments. Your'e right the Mazda 3 does look like a red brick.

 

If I paid attention to every car I have owned with a negative review of some sort, I'd be walking